Suntrust Richmond Marathon – 8k

1) I have not run since the engagement. Yes, I got engaged 17 days ago.

2) I have not properly trained since my last triathlon in September.

Trust me, I have my excuses:

1) I got really sick 4 days after the engagement and was out of commission for 3 days.

2) I have been wedding planning like crazy (it’s practically all I think about right now)! We want to get married in May – June of 2010 but I’m running in to some problems:

a. Since it’s a short (7-8 months) engagement, most places are booked.

b. We can’t do 5 of the 9 weekends in May or June (due to previous commitments including my little sister’s high school graduation and our half-ironman in June)

c. I live in DC – things here are so expensive (and it’s depressing).

Okay, so I’m telling you this for a reason: I ran an 8k today. Originally I had signed up for the half-marathon but due to said confessions and a foot problem, I decide to switch to the 8k. I’m glad I did. (I’m sore as hell!)

The race went better than expected – and I’m glad I decided to run. Since 8k’s are fairly uneventful I don’t have a ton to report. It was a nice, flat (and slightly downhill on the way back), out and back course. Like most of the races I run, many people started when they weren’t suppose to – so I spent the 1st mile running in and out of people. Around mile 1.5, I finally got into a groove. Literally. There were bands and DJ’s playing awesome music along the run – which is fun and motivating since I don’t run with an iPod when racing. At mile 3, I started to feel tired – and this old time runner who was about to pass me (he was probably 50) said: “Come on – don’t let up now”. Okay, okay. So, I picked up the pace and ran the last 2 miles with him. I really needed him and am thankful that he didn’t let me “let up”! The last half mile he said: “This is it – let’s push it in”. And that’s exactly what we did! Glad to be finished, I turned around to give my new running partner a high-five – and he brought it in for a hug. I love runners!

Stats:

Overall: 134/3542

Age Group: 5/559

Gender: 19/???

Time: 35:23 (7:07 pace) – shocking, but a new 8k PR, too!

PS – the race shirts were awesome: long sleeve, wicking and gender specific. Hint to all other race directors: get good shirts!

Great job on the PR. Ahh wedding planning must be fun! Hope its going good and you figure out a day to have it. Stinks that everyone seems to be doing long term engagements! I dont know if i could do a long term engagement.

The grizzled old time runner said…Congrat's on your engagement and 8k PR for the 8k. I've probably done this 8k 10 times and I have to admit this year's was my favorite because of our run. You may have felt tired at mile 3, but you were running smooth and relaxed. Your breathing was easy and strides silent. I could sense the conflict and knew you didn't really want to back off.

I train alone in the morning before work. Our run reminded me how much easier and fun a run can be with a partner. Look me up if you and your husband come down to Richmond for Xterra or other downtown off-road event and I'll give you a course preview.

BillP.S. Yes, I had been running for a few years before you were born…but I'm only 50. My wife said maybe it's time to reconsider Grecian Formula if I am going to continue hanging out with fast women.

I too had a relatively short engagement (8 1/2 months) and know all too well how expensive (Chicago for me) and stressful/time consuming it can be. We were freaking out after calling what seemed like everyone and finding out everything was booked! Best of luck finding a fabulous place! It will come together!

First about the race: Dang girl. Getting sick is good to you. Your crazy speedy. Congrats on the PR! (I'm also impressed by that 60 year old that was not only able to keep up with you – but pushed you. Also cool he came in for a hug. I love sweet old(er) people)

About the engagement: Sorry about the roadblocks. You'll figure it out. It will turn out wonderful. I hope you plan on sharing with us all planning details.

I planned a wedding in a little less than six months, and can attest to one positive: a shorter engagement means the awful planning part is done sooner! But I can also attest to the fact that sometimes, a break from hard training is just what we need to shine. Think of it like an accidental taper …

Congrats on a new pr! How exciting!!! Even more exciting your planning your wedding so soon! i bet you are LOVING IT!! i'm sure its stressful but enjoy it because i bet it goes by way too fast!!! 🙂 🙂 YAY